Pull-down bed assembly

ABSTRACT

A pull-down bed assembly including a movable frame which constitutes the bedspring and is pivoted to a fixed frame so as to define a closed vertical position, in which the movable frame is substantially in a vertical position, and an open horizontal position, for use as a bed, in which the movable frame is in the horizontal position; the assembly has a balancing system, which is adapted to control the movement of the movable frame with respect to the fixed frame. The balancing system is constituted by springs with a respective transmission mechanism, which are arranged within the fixed frame and the movable frame and are not visible from the outside both in the closed position and in the open position of the movable frame.

The present invention relates to a pull-down bed assembly for a doublebed.

Pull-down beds are generally constituted by a piece of furniture thatcontains a tilting frame, which constitutes the bedspring.

The bedspring is generally constituted by a structure made of weldedsteel tubes, which includes rotation pivots provided with springs whichare adjustable as a function of the load.

The bedspring generally has two resting feet and brackets for fixing thewooden closure panel.

The bedspring also has a mattress retainer and normally a springingsystem with laminar wood slats inserted in adapted seats of thelongitudinal members of the bedspring.

Pull-down beds, or Murphy beds, are commercially available since theearly 1900s and many different structures with constructive andfunctional improvements have been proposed over time.

An important requirement of a pull-down bed is to be constructivelysturdy and reliable and to ensure its locking both in the horizontalposition, for use as a bed, and when it is closed in the verticalposition.

Another important requirement of a pull-down bed is to ensure a simpleand easy actuation, which does not force the user to make excessiveefforts.

Another fundamental requirement of a pull-down bed is that it shouldoccupy a limited space because this type of furniture is used indeedwhere the available space is limited.

It is difficult to provide a structure that is constructively simple, isspace saving, is easy to operate and is at the same time sturdy andreliable.

Commercially available pull-down beds in fact are unlikely to fully meetall the above cited requirements simultaneously.

Also, conventional pull-down beds are generally designed to be keptnormally in the vertical closed position, and to be lowered into thehorizontal position, for use as a bed, when required.

DE-2524403 discloses a pull down bed wherein the bedspring is normallycontained in a cabinet and provided with a spring assisted tiltingmechanism.

US2008/163421 discloses a piece of furniture including a Murphy bedcomprising a spring tilting mechanism.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a pull-down bed assemblythat in the horizontal position constitutes a normal double bed and whennecessary can be lifted and arranged in the vertical position.

Within the scope of this aim, an object of the invention is to provide apull-down bed assembly constituted by a self-supporting structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pull-down bed assemblyin which all the motion control mechanisms are completely concealed fromsight.

A further object of the invention is to provide an assembly that ensuresthe stability of both the vertical position and the horizontal position.

A further object of the invention is to provide an assembly that can bemoved from one position to the other simply and easily.

A further object is to provide an assembly that is aestheticallypleasant and occupies a limited space.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a structurewhich, by virtue of its particular constructive characteristics, iscapable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety inuse.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparenthereinafter are achieved by a pull-down bed assembly as claimed in theappended claims.

Further characteristics and advantages will become better apparent fromthe description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of theinvention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pull-down bed assembly, according tothe present invention, shown in the open position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pull-down bed assembly shown in thevertical position;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly shown in the vertical position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the assembly shown in the vertical position;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the assembly shown in the horizontal position;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the assembly shown in the horizontal position;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the assembly shown in the horizontal position;

FIG. 8 is a front view, in enlarged scale with respect to the precedingones, which shows the pivoting region of the movable frame, shown in thehorizontal position;

FIG. 9 is a view, similar to the preceding one but showing the movableframe in the vertical position;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the pivoting region of the left part of theassembly;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the pivoting region of the right part of theassembly;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the pivoting region of the left part of theassembly;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the pivoting region of the right part of theassembly;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the pull-down bed assembly, accordingto a second embodiment of the invention, shown in the open position;

FIG. 15 shows the assembly of the preceding figure during a first stepof the lifting action for bringing the assembly to the closed verticalposition;

FIG. 16 shows the assembly during a further step of the lifting action;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the pull-down bed assembly shown in thefinal vertical position;

FIG. 18 is a side section view of the assembly according to the secondembodiment, shown in the vertical, or closed, position;

FIG. 19 is a side view, of the assembly of the preceding figureaccording to a different section plane;

FIG. 20 is a side section view, similar to the preceding one, butshowing the assembly in the open horizontal position;

FIG. 21 is a partially sectional front view of the assembly of thepreceding figure;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged side section view of the assembly according tothe second embodiment, shown in the vertical position;

FIG. 23 is a side section view, similar to the preceding one, butshowing the assembly in the horizontal position;

FIG. 24 is a partial front view of the assembly showing the one of thelateral supports;

FIG. 25 is a partial top section view of the assembly showing one sideof the feet bar;

FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of the movable frame.

With reference to the cited figures, the pull-down bed assemblyaccording to a first aspect of the invention, generally designated bythe reference numeral 1, comprises a movable frame 2, which constitutesthe bedspring and is pivoted to a fixed frame 3, in such a manner as todefine a closed position, shown in FIG. 2, in which the movable frame 2is substantially in a vertical position, and an open position, for useas a bed, shown in FIG. 1, in which the movable frame 2 is in thehorizontal position and rests on the ground by means of a feet bar 4.

The movable frame or bedspring 2 is pivoted to the fixed frame 3 bymeans of a pair of mounting plates 5, which constitute the fixed frame 3together with connecting cross-members.

Each shoulder 5 has an upright 7 provided with a seat for a rotationpivot, which is integral with the movable frame 2.

The rotation pivots allow the rotation of the movable frame 2 about arotation axis 8, which passes through the pivots and is frontallyarranged, with respect to the rear cross-member 9 of the movable frame2.

The movement of the movable frame 2 is controlled by a balancing systemconstituted by a pair of springs 10 and 11, which are integral with thefixed frame 3.

Each spring 10 and 11 is connected to a side of the movable frame 2 bymeans of a respective transmission mechanism 12.

The first spring 10, which is arranged in a horizontal position and isextended transversely in the fixed frame 3, includes a fixed end 13,which is associated with the fixed frame 3 by means of an adjustmentscrew 14, and a movable end 15, which is connected to a first end of acable 16 whose second end is fixed to the movable frame 2.

The second end of the cable 16 is fixed to an arm 17, which is integralwith the rear cross-member 9 of the movable frame 2.

The cable 16 is guided by means of two pulleys: a pulley with a verticalaxis 18 and a pulley with a horizontal axis 19.

The second spring 11 is arranged in a horizontal position and isextended transversely in the fixed frame 3, parallel to the first spring10.

The second spring 11 has a fixed end 113, which is associated with thefixed frame 3 by means of an adjustment screw 114, and a movable end115, which is connected to a first end of a cable 116, whose second endis fixed to the movable frame 2.

The second end of the cable 116 is fastened to an arm 117, which isintegral with the rear cross-member 9 of the movable frame 2.

The cable 116 is guided by means of two pulleys: a pulley with avertical axis 118 and a pulley with a horizontal axis 119.

In the open horizontal position of the movable frame 2, the springs 10and 11 are under tension.

The springs are sized so as to counterbalance the weight of the movableframe 2, so that the lifting action of the movable frame is facilitatedand requires only a minimal effort.

The stability of the closed vertical position of the movable frame isensured by the traction force applied by the springs, which still allowto lower the frame without excessive effort.

The movable frame is covered by a panel 20 made of wood or othersuitable material and supports a bedspring, provided for example bymeans of slats, which are not visible in the drawings and on which amattress 30 rests.

The feet of the movable frame 2 are constituted by a U-shaped bar 4.

The fixed frame 3 is covered at the front by a casing 21 and at the rearby a headboard 22.

The casing 21 is extended laterally beyond the contour of the movableframe 2 and constitutes bedside tables which are integrated in theassembly.

The headboard 22 has a box-like structure and contains an iron bar 6.

In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intendedaim and objects.

The pull-down bed assembly, equipped with bedside table portions, isadapted to be placed in a double bedroom.

In the horizontal position, the assembly constitutes a normal double bedof contemporary design without containment shoulders, with the rotationfulcrum and the balancing system hidden.

When needed, the assembly can be closed in the vertical position bydirectly gripping the wood panel that covers the bedspring.

The assembly according to the present invention is self-supporting, byvirtue of the weight of the headboard and of the casing, which arepreferably made of wood, and by virtue of the presence of the iron barinserted in the headboard.

The wood superstructures, i.e., the panel 20, can be associated with themovable frame 2 of the bedspring without the aid of hardware.

According to the present invention, the movement mechanism, the fulcrumsand the supports made of metal are not visible.

The spring-based balancing system is arranged in a rear position withrespect to the face of the bed, when the bedspring is in the verticalposition, so that no additional covering is needed to conceal it fromsight.

FIGS. 14-25 show a second embodiment of the pull-down bed assemblyaccording to the invention, globally designated by the reference numeral201.

The assembly 201 comprises a movable frame 202, which constitutes thebedspring and is pivoted to a fixed frame 203, in such a manner as todefine a closed position, shown in FIG. 17, in which the movable frame202 is substantially in a vertical position, and an open position, foruse as a bed, shown in FIG. 14, in which the movable frame 202 is in thehorizontal position and rests on the ground by means of a feet bar 204.

The movable frame or bedspring 202 is pivoted to the fixed frame 203 bymeans of pivots 208 pivoted to a pair of uprights 207, which areassociated with the fixed frame 203 through a base member 205.

The pivots 208 allow the rotation of the movable frame 202 about arotation axis, which passes through the same pivots.

The pivots 208 are arranged at a distance from a rear cross-member 209of the movable frame 202.

The movable frame 202 is constituted by said rear cross-member 209connected to a front cross-member 299 by means of two side beams 240.

The bedspring may be constituted by slats 241 or by a traditionalspring, on which a mattress 30 rests.

The movable frame is covered by a panel 220, made of wood or othersuitable material.

The motion of the movable frame 202 is controlled by a balancing systemconstituted by a pair of springs 210.

Each spring 210 is inserted in a respective side beam 240 and eachspring 210 is connected to a respective transmission mechanism 212.

Each spring 210 has a fixed end 213 connected to the movable frame bymeans of an adjustment screw, and a movable end 215, which is connectedto a first end of a cable 216 whose second end 214 is fixed to the fixedframe 203.

The second end 214 of the cable 216 is fixed to a bracket 217 which isfastened to the base member 205.

The cable 216 is guided by means of two pulleys: a fixed pulley 218 anda movable pulley 219.

The fixed pulley 218 is fastened to the base member 205 while themovable pulley 219 is fastened at the movable frame 202.

This arrangement of the pulleys puts the springs 210 under tension whenthe movable frame is in the horizontal position because of the tensionapplied by the cables 216.

The springs are sized so as to counterbalance the weight of the movableframe 202, so that the lifting action of the movable frame isfacilitated and requires only a minimal effort.

The stability of the closed vertical position of the movable frame isensured by the traction force applied by the springs, which still allowto lower the frame without excessive effort.

The feet bar 204 is constituted by a U-shaped bar having its endspivoted to the movable frame 202.

Each pivot end of the feet bar is provided with a gear wheel 221 whichengages a respective rack 222. The rack 222 slides within its side beam240 thus making the gear wheel 221 rotate in order to move the feet barfrom a working position, at right angle with the movable frame 202, to aretracted position, parallel to the frame 202.

The rack 222 is controlled by a lever system 223 which is contained inthe side beams 240 of the movable frame 202 and is connected to theupright 207.

The lever system causes the rack to slide when the movable frame 202 isrotated about its pivots 208 from the horizontal position to thevertical position and vice versa.

When the movable frame is in the vertical position, shown in FIGS.17-19, the feet bar 204 is completely contained within the movable framewhich is provided with a front and side covers 231 that extend along thesides and front of the movable frame.

The side cover 231 also conceals from view the uprights 207 when themovable frame 202 is in the vertical position, as better appreciated inFIGS. 17-19.

In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intendedaim and objects.

The pull-down bed assembly, which may be equipped with bedside tableportions, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1-13, is adapted tobe placed in a double bedroom.

In the horizontal position, the assembly constitutes a normal double bedof contemporary design without containment shoulders, with the rotationfulcrum and the balancing system hidden.

When needed, the assembly can be closed in the vertical position bydirectly gripping the wood panel that covers the bedspring.

The assembly according to the present invention is self-supporting, byvirtue of the weight of the headboard and of the casing, which arepreferably made of wood, and by virtue of the iron bar inserted in theheadboard.

The wood superstructures, i.e., the panel 20, can be associated with themovable frame 2 of the bedspring without the aid of hardware.

According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the motionmechanism, the fulcrums and the supports made of metal are not visible.

The spring-based balancing system is arranged in a completely hiddenlocation, either behind the face of the bed or in the movable frame,when the bedspring is in the vertical position, so that no additionalcovering is needed to conceal it from sight.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-26, when the pull down bedis in the vertical position, the only visible feature is the panel 220,as better appreciated in FIG. 17.

This application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No.MI2010A000630, filed on Apr. 14, 2010, the subject matter of which isincorporated herein by reference.

1. A pull-down bed assembly, comprising a movable frame whichconstitutes the bedspring and is pivoted to a fixed frame so as todefine a closed vertical position, in which said movable frame issubstantially in a vertical position, and an open horizontal position,for use as a bed, in which said movable frame is in the horizontalposition; further comprising a balancing system, which is adapted tocontrol the motion of said movable frame with respect to said fixedframe and is constituted by one or more springs and by a respectivetransmission mechanism, which are arranged within said fixed frame andsaid movable frame and are not visible from the outside both in saidclosed vertical position and in said open horizontal position of saidmovable frame.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidmovable frame is pivoted to said fixed frame by means of a pair ofmounting plates, which constitute said fixed frame together withconnecting cross-members; each of said mounting plates comprises anupright having a seat for a rotation pivot which is integral with saidmovable frame; said rotation pivots allow a rotation of said movableframe about a rotation axis that passes through said pivots and isarranged at the front with respect to a rear cross-member of saidmovable frame.
 3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein saidbalancing system includes a helical first spring and a helical secondspring, the springs being integral with said fixed frame; each of saidsprings is connected to one side of the movable frame by means of arespective transmission mechanism; said first spring is arranged in ahorizontal position and is extended transversely in said fixed frameparallel to said second spring; each one of said springs comprises afixed end, which is associated with said fixed frame by means of anadjustment screw, and a movable end, which is connected to a first endof a respective cable; a second end of said cable is fixed to saidmovable frame; said second end of said cable is fixed to an arm which isintegral with said rear cross-member of said movable frame; said cableis guided by means of two pulleys, one having a vertical axis and onehaving a horizontal axis.
 4. The assembly according to claim 1 whereinsaid movable frame is covered by a panel, made of wood or other suitablematerial, and said fixed frame is covered at the front by a box-likebody and at the rear by a headboard.
 5. The assembly according to claim4 wherein said box-like body is extended laterally beyond the lateralspace occupation of said movable frame and constitutes bedside tableswhich are integrated in the assembly.
 6. The assembly according to claim1, wherein said movable frame is pivoted to said fixed frame by means ofpivots pivoted to a pair of uprights, which are associated with saidfixed frame through a base member; said pivots allow the rotation ofsaid movable frame about a rotation axis, which passes through saidpivots; said pivots are arranged at a distance from a rear cross-memberof said movable frame.
 7. The assembly according to claim 6, whereinsaid movable frame is constituted by said rear cross-member connected toa front cross-member by means of two side beams.
 8. The assemblyaccording to claim 7, wherein said balancing system comprises a pair ofsprings; each of said springs is inserted in a respective one of saidside beams and is connected to a respective transmission mechanism; eachof said springs has a fixed end, connected to said movable frame, and amovable end, which is connected to a first end of a respective cable; asecond end of said cable is fixed to the fixed frame; said second end ofsaid cable is fixed to a bracket, which is fastened to said base member;said cable is guided by means of two pulleys: a fixed pulley and amovable pulley; said fixed pulley is fastened to said base member whilesaid movable pulley is fastened at said movable frame.
 9. The assemblyaccording to claim 8, wherein said movable frame is provided with aU-shaped feet bar having opposite ends pivoted to said movable frame;said opposite ends are connected to a motion control mechanism thatmoves said feet bar from a retracted position, when said movable frameis in said vertical position, to a working extended position, at rightangle with said movable frame, when said movable frame is in saidhorizontal position, and from said extended position to said retractedposition when said movable frame moves from said horizontal position tosaid vertical position.
 10. The assembly according to claim 9, whereineach of said opposite ends of said feet bar is provided with a gearwheel which engages a respective rack; said rack slides within arespective one of said side beams thus making the gear wheel rotate inorder to move said feet bar from said working extended position to saidretracted position, parallel to said frame; said rack is controlled by alever system which is contained in said side beam of said movable frameand is connected to at least one of said uprights; said lever systemcauses said rack to slide when said movable frame is rotated about itspivots from said horizontal position to said vertical position and viceversa.
 11. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein, when said movableframe is in said vertical position, said feet bar is completelycontained within said movable frame which is provided with a front coverand side covers that extend along the front and sides of said movableframe.
 12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said side coversalso conceal from view said uprights when said movable frame is in saidvertical position.
 13. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein in saidhorizontal position of said movable frame said springs are under such atension as to counterbalance the weight of said movable frame.
 14. Theassembly according to claim 1 wherein said assembly is self-supportingand is not fastened to any external support.